Best Live Album – 2014 Ultimate Classic Rock Awards

Last year's best live albums were more than mere concert souvenirs. The greatest of them revealed glimpses of hardworking bands on the road, hammering out their familiar material in new and often exciting ways. Some of them expanded on classic live albums from back in the day, while others showed still-vital bands operating at their full audience-pleasing power. But which was the best? Vote now for the Best Live Album in the 2014 Ultimate Classic Rock Awards, and let us know.

'Live at the Academy of Music 1971'

The Band

Parts of this historic live show were released on the Band’s live album ‘Rock of Ages,’ but this five-disc set tells a bigger story. The group’s late-December run of shows includes an entire New Year’s Eve gig, plus a searing performance by its old boss, Bob Dylan.

'On Air: Live at the BBC Vol. 2’

The Beatles

Before they retreated to the studio to create their masterworks, the Beatles were regulars on the BBC’s various radio programs. This second volume of originals and covers from those days surges with youthful energy and playfulness.

'LV'

Chickenfoot

Chickenfoot's first live album, recorded during their 2009 and 2012 tours in support of their two studio albums, unsurprisingly includes songs from both of those records. Their road-seasoned sturdiness comes through loud and clear.

'Miami Pop Festival'

Jimi Hendrix Experience

Jimi Hendrix’s abbreviated set from this rain-drenched music fest is full of guitar fireworks, as the instrument's master (as well as his rock-solid band, the Experience) storms through some of his best-known songs with reckless fury and pinpoint professionalism.

‘Rockin’ the Fillmore: The Complete Recordings’

Humble Pie

Humble Pie’s famous live album was pared down from these recordings. This new set collects every single note played at these shows. Even though the same songs were repeated night after night, the electrifying performances were totally original.

‘Metallica Through the Never’

Metallica

The soundtrack to Metallica's big-screen feature 'Through the Never' doubles as a nifty live album from a band that hasn't released a full-scale physical concert document in 20 years. Thirty years of thunderous classics wrapped up in two powerful discs.

'Ultralive Ballisticrock'

Ted Nugent

Recorded at a 2011 show, Ted Nugent's 'Ultralive Ballisticrock' rolls through almost 40 years' worth of the Motor City Madman's greatest hits, all delivered with stage-hardened precision. Best of all, Nugent band vet Derek St. Holmes is back on board.

‘Clockwork Angels Tour'

Rush

There are plenty of classics to go with the newer songs culled from Rush’s tour in support of their latest album. But the big news here is the string section onstage with the trio, adding new levels of depth to the music.

‘Live at the Cellar Door’

Neil Young

Neil Young takes over a small stage in late 1970 for an acoustic performance that spans his entire career up to that time, including songs from his three solo albums and some Buffalo Springfield cuts. He also tests some brand-new material on the rapt audience.

These are the nominees for the Best Live Album. Voting ends Feb. 11 at 10AM ET. You can vote once per hour, so be sure to come back and make sure your favorite wins.